Surprising foodie spots

It’s considered the curry capital of Scotland and a BritishIndian classic is believed to have been invented in Glasgow. According to one explanation, Pakistani chef Ali Ahmed Aslam, proprietor of the Shish Mahal restaurant, invented chicken tikka masala after a customer complained his curry was too dry — so the chef added some of the tomato soup he’d been eating into the dish. Whether it’s the real deal or not, the city is definitely known for great Indian restaurants. Check out Billy Connolly’s favourite, Koh-I-Noor, it’s an institution dating back to 1964 and the perfect place for a bite before a night on the town. New Caledonia With the fresh flavours of the Pacific and the classic cuisine of France, New Caledonia is a fantastic culinary destination that’s not far from home. Whether you’re in Nomea or beyond, there’s a huge variety of local food experiences on offer. Try a traditional Kanak Bougna (pictured), a Melanesian delicacy of the Kanak people. Chicken and crayfish are wrapped in fresh banana leaves, along with yams, banana, sweet potato and coconut milk, then slow cooked underground for two hours. There are also plenty of opportunities to indulge in some delicious French food, with a Caledonian twist — Noumea is home to more than 150 French restaurants. Or try a table d’hote, a homestay experience on a local farm, where you’ll enjoy all sorts of local treats. If wandering around and sampling snacks sounds appealing to you, Taiwan could be your perfect food destination. Known for its incredible sprawling night markets, your tastebuds will be tested at every turn. If you find yourself confronted by the unique smell of “stinky tofu”, don’t run away — it tastes a lot better than it smells. Or try one of Taiwan’s most famous exports — dumplings at Din Tai Fung, which has opened franchises all over the world. Wash it all down with a sweet bubble tea, another treat that’s gone international.